Genetic research has been an effective tool to study the underlying biology and identify potential therapeutic targets of disease. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has made an early and large investment in the application of genetic and genomic technology to understanding the underlying etiology of heart, lung and blood disorders. In recent years, genetic research of complex diseases using Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) and Exome-sequencing approaches has resulted in an unprecedented explosion of genetic discovery. However, a large portion of heritability in complex diseases remains elusive. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) approaches provide the opportunity to further understand the genetic architecture relevant to heart, lung and blood (HLB) diseases.

Now it is possible to support statistically well powered WGS research by sequencing tens of thousands of individuals at costs close to $1000/genome. NHLBI intends to test the utility of the WGS approach and generate an initial WGS dataset for the research community that covers heart, lung and blood diseases. The dataset may include but is not limited to families, founder populations, population isolates, clinical studies and cohorts. This is a project for the research community and should be designed by the community. NHLBI encourages the research community to participate and contribute to the design of the project (see NOT-HL-14-030: Request for Information: NHLBI Whole Genome Sequencing Project (NHLBI-WGS)).

This Notice is to inform NHLBI grantees that the Institute is interested in administrative supplement applications (1) to perform WGS on existing DNA samples from grants that are currently conducting large scale genome sequencing or (2) to perform data coordination activities from grants that are coordinating a large scale genetic epidemiology study. Investigators interested in developing applications are strongly encouraged to discuss their ideas with the NHLBI contact listed below. Applications should follow the instructions for and submit applications to PA-14-077. A webpage for frequently asked questions is available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/funding/inits/faq-HL-14-029.htm.